I am replacing 14 double hung old wood windows, have gotten multiple estimates and decided to go with the Vytex Fortis.The standard R-4 glass package has the following specs:Ufactor: 0.26SHGC: 0.29Visible Transmittance: 0.53

For ~$50 more per window, I could upgrade to R-5:Ufactor: 0.22SHGC: 0.28Visible Transmittance: 0.49

I'm not sure the upgrade really would do much for me in terms of performance, what do you think?Also, is it worth upgrading the screen, do you think? ( I haven't gotten an estimate for that)Thanks in advance for any feedback!

$50 is very little markup on that, so it is a good deal. It will take a while to pay for itself purely in energy savings, but it will make the home more attractive to buyers should you sell anytime soon, as well as offer a higher degree of comfort and better condensation resistance if that is a concern. I don't think that that you will go wrong either way, just a matter of what makes more sense for you and where your budget is. Both are good values, so if your budget allows, go for it.

Thanks Homesealed. I am a little concerned about the VT # being below 0.5. I read somewhere that under 0.5, the windows may start to have an appearance of being tinted, almost like wearing sunglasses. I really want to preserve as much light as possible since I have a lot of trees and shade in my yard that decrease the light entry in the house.If you don't mind me asking, what is your experience with this? I really appreciate your responses.

We did TP on our home (did DP in basement). Glad we did, weight not an issue, VT not an issue. Plenty of light comes through, not nearly the "sunglasses" effect I feared. Would not change my decision in the least.

I don't know how they measure VT but I am guessing dirty DP and screens knock the VT down more than we know.

.49 is still pretty good for TP glass. I carry some samples that have DP in one sash and TP in the other, and you really can't tell a difference. I wouldn't worry about it unless you are EXTREMELY sensitive to the issue.

Who is online

You cannot post new topics in this forumYou cannot reply to topics in this forumYou cannot edit your posts in this forumYou cannot delete your posts in this forumYou cannot post attachments in this forum